The Long Way Home Archives for 2025-06

FEATURE RIDE: Freddie Mercury's Rolls‑Royce Phantom V

 


He didn’t just arrive; he materialized—19 feet of British steel and swagger chauffeuring Queen’s frontman through London traffic while mere mortals hummed “Another One Bites the Dust” in the slow lane.
 

Specs at a Glance

  • Engine: 6.2 liter Rolls Royce V8 (quiet as a studio booth, smooth as Freddie’s falsetto)

  • Length: 19 ft 2in—plenty of room for a backstage after party

  • Production Years: 1959 1968 (peak coach built cool)

  • Top Speed: A dignified 100 mph—this limo’s about arrival, not drag strip glory


Why It Matters to Classic Rock Fans

Behind the partition glass, Freddie scribbled lyrics, blasted test pressings, and carted his cats in paparazzi proof luxury. It’s privacy, performance, and rockstar flair—the same spirit that fuels every open road sing along on MyCarShowRadio.com.


“Bohemian” Road Trip Vibes, Coast to Coast

From Boston to Bakersfield, picture late night asphalt, Queen’s News of the World on an 8-track, and moonlight dancing off that Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament. No chauffeur? No problem. Fire up our free stream and let the Phantom V be your mental getaway car.
 

Where Is It Now?

Collectors whisper about at least one Phantom?V that ferried Freddie during ’70s tour runs. Spot a gray over silver Phantom with Queen cassettes in the glovebox? You might need “Somebody to Love” who’s also a certified appraiser.


 

Elvis' Pink Cadillac: The King's Crown Jewel


A 1955 Fleetwood that defined rock-star flair


Before gold records. Before Graceland. Before the jumpsuits and Vegas lights... there was the car.

A 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60 in a custom coat of pink — the one that would come to define not just Elvis Presley’s rise, but the image of rock stardom itself.

Most rock stars dream of getting a Cadillac. Elvis? He gave it away.


A Gift Fit for a Queen (His Mama)

Elvis bought the Caddy in the spring of ’55, just as he was starting to turn heads on the southern circuit. Originally a blue Caddy, he had it repainted in what he called “Elvis Rose,” trimmed with a white roof and chrome that gleamed like stage lights.

Then, like the mama’s boy he proudly was, he handed over the keys to his mother, Gladys. Thing is, Gladys never had a license — so Elvis kept driving it himself. You could say she got shotgun, but America got the full view.

Photo by W. Bulach, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.


Specs That Still Sparkle

Under the hood? A 331 cubic inch V8, pumping out 250 horsepower through a Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. It was as smooth as Elvis’ first hip shake on national TV — and nearly as shocking to mid-’50s sensibilities.

The Fleetwood wasn’t just a Cadillac. It was the Cadillac — the top-of-the-line touring sedan. Plush bench seats. Tailfins tall enough to signal to heaven. And enough presence to part traffic on Beale Street.


Why It Mattered

That Pink Cadillac wasn’t just a car — it was a declaration.

In a time when rock ’n’ roll was still being called a fad (or worse), this big, bold ride said otherwise. It said the kid from Tupelo had made it — and that he was gonna do things his way. It was the unofficial tour vehicle, the fan magnet, the flashbulb chaser.

And while many of Elvis’ Cadillacs came and went — over 100 in his lifetime — this one stayed special. Today, the restored version sits at Graceland, polished and proud. And yes, it’s still pink.
 


Turn Up the Memory Lane

At My Car Show Radio, we don’t just spin the songs — we celebrate the stories behind the wheel. And Elvis’ Pink Cadillac? It’s one for the ages.

So next time you hear the opening notes of “Baby Let’s Play House” or “Mystery Train,” picture The King behind the wheel, sun bouncing off chrome, Memphis heat rolling through the windows… and a dream parked in the driveway.


Want more stories that sound like gasoline and glory?

Click here to listen live to My Car Show Radio — classic rock that runs on horsepower and heart.

 

 

Photo of Elvis’ Pink Cadillac by Daniel Schwen, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

C8 Corvette Goes Full Send: Pastrana Launches It 110 Feet Like a Rock 'n Roll Rocket

 

Did you catch this one?

A stock C8 Corvette just launched 110 feet over a dirt ramp - and yes, it was as insane as it sounds. With Travis Pastrana guiding the chaos and Jim York behind the wheel, this stunt was less “commuter car” and more "Muscle Car Mayhem Meets Evel Knievel."


The Jump Heard 'Round the Gearhead World

Pastrana and York didn’t waste time with simulations. At 68 mph, the C8 hit the ramp and soared over 110 feet - landing nose-first, blowing the airbags, and still driving away. That’s GM engineering holding its own against gravity and stupidity (the fun kind).
 

Watch it here:
Watch the Jump on YouTube


No Mods. No Cage. No Mercy.

This wasn’t a show car with aftermarket upgrades - it was a stock LT2 6.2L V8 C8 with the Tremec 8-speed DCT. No lift kits, no roll cage, just guts and grit. Pastrana tested the ramp with his dirt bike first (because of course he did) and then gave the Corvette the green light to fly.


What’s Playing After a Jump Like That?

We cue up Mötley Crüe – “Kickstart My Heart.”
That opening riff? Hits just like a ramp launch: fast, loud, and unapologetic. Add it to your drive playlist now.


Ooh, are you ready now? Whoa yeah, kickstart my heart, give it a start...


Why This Matters (Besides Being Awesome)

This stunt isn’t just for clicks. It shows the C8 isn’t a fragile sports car- it’s a muscle missile built to take a beating. Chassis? Solid. Alignment? Barely flinched. Driveaway? Affirmative.


Your Turn, Daredevils

If you had the keys to a C8 and a runway… what’s your move?

Send us your dream stunt ideas or post them on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Bonus points if you include your launch song.
 

And remember—you can catch My Car Show Radio through TuneIn, Audacy, and Simple Radio. No helmet required.


Stay loud. Stay classic.

—The Crew at My Car Show Radio

 

Apple CarPlay Gets a Major Glow-Up: What It Means for My Car Show Radio Listeners

 

Apple just announced a major update to CarPlay at WWDC 2025 as part of iOS 26, and it's great news for drivers who tune in to My Car Show Radio during their cruise.

Whether you're listening through TuneIn, Audacy, or Simple Radio, this upgrade makes it easier (and safer) to enjoy the music from America's classic car shows while on the road.


What’s New in Apple CarPlay (iOS 26)

  • Liquid Glass Interface – A sleek, modern redesign with translucent icons and smoother transitions.

  • Live Widgets – Glanceable info like traffic, now playing, or upcoming shows from your favorite apps - right on the dashboard.

  • Compact Banners for Calls & Messages – No more interruptions while driving — banners pop in without taking over your whole screen.

  • Pinned Messaging Threads & Tapbacks – Quick replies without needing to dig through your phone.

  • Smart Display Zoom – Automatically adapts to any screen size in any vehicle.

  • Video Streaming via AirPlay – When parked, you can now watch videos through your car’s display.


Benefits for My Car Show Radio Listeners

If you’re already listening to My Car Show Radio via the TuneIn App, Audacy App, or Simple Radio, here’s what these updates mean for you:

  1. Easier Access to the Station
    With customizable widgets, your favorite station is just one tap away - no digging through menus.

  2. Cleaner, Safer Display
    The new layout keeps song info and album art visible while you’re driving, with fewer distractions.

  3. Smarter Voice Control
    Ask Siri to “Play My Car Show Radio on TuneIn” - and with some vehicles, Alexa will now work side-by-side with Siri too.

  4. Better Multitasking
    Messages, maps, music - all working together without crowding your screen.

  5. A More Luxurious Experience
    The Liquid Glass interface feels like a modern muscle car interior - polished, powerful, and ready to roll.


Alexa Joins the Ride

In select vehicles using Panasonic’s SkipGen system, Alexa voice control can now be used alongside Siri. That means you can:

  • Ask Alexa to adjust your car’s temperature

  • Ask Siri to launch My Car Show Radio

  • Keep your hands on the wheel while doing both


Coming Soon: CarPlay Ultra

New vehicles from Aston Martin, Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis will feature CarPlay Ultra - a version of CarPlay that takes over the entire dashboard.

You’ll be able to control:

  • Climate settings

  • Gauges & speedometers

  • Navigation

  • Music and more

All from one Apple-powered screen. That includes voice control for My Car Show Radio and even video playback when the vehicle is parked.


The Bottom Line

Apple CarPlay’s updates aren’t just tech talk - they’re real improvements for listeners like you who love classic cars and classic rock.

With better visuals, easier controls, smarter voice features, and tighter app integration, listening to My Car Show Radio just got a whole lot smoother - whether you’re heading to a show, running errands, or just out for a sunset cruise.


Keep listening, stay safe, and enjoy the ride.

Rock 'n' Roll Hot Rods: Inside Billy Gibbons' Legendary Collection

 

When you think of ZZ Top, a few things come to mind: beards, blues riffs, and badass hot rods. Frontman Billy Gibbons isn’t just a rock legend—he’s a full-throttle gearhead with one of the coolest classic car collections on the planet. From custom Caddies to chopped ’33 Fords, Gibbons has turned his garage into a rolling museum of rock history.


Spotlight: The ’33 Ford “Eliminator” Coupe


Few cars in music history are as iconic as the cherry-red “Eliminator.” Built in the early ’80s by Don Thelen at Buffalo Motor Cars (not “Thelan” as originally written), this ’33 Ford three-window coupe drew inspiration from Pete Chapouris’s famous “California Kid.” The Eliminator was powered by a Chevy 350 V-8 engine with a Turbo 350 transmission, complete with valve covers milled with the ZZ Top logo.

The car didn’t just sit in a showroom—it starred in some of MTV’s most memorable videos: “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and “Legs.” With its glowing yellow Z-stripes and chopped silhouette, the Eliminator became just as recognizable as Gibbons’s Gibson guitar.

(Image of Eliminator Coupe)


CadZZilla: The Show-Stopping ’48 Cadillac


 

Next in the lineup is the jaw-dropping CadZZilla. Designed by Jack Chisenhall and Larry Erickson, and brought to life by Boyd Coddington in 1989, this custom ’48 Cadillac is a low-slung, futuristic beast. Under the hood: a massive 500 cubic-inch Cadillac V-8 with custom Holley fuel injection. Auto critics hailed its design as one of the most important custom cars of the era.

(Image of CadZZilla)


Other Gems in His Stable
 

Billy’s collection doesn’t stop there. Here are just a few more jaw-droppers:

  • 1932 Highboy Ford: Described as a “go-kart on steroids.”

  • 1962 “Slampala” Impala: A low-rider dream with air suspension.

  • 1958 Thunderbird “Mexican Blackbird”: Nods to the ZZ Top track.

  • 1933 “Whiskeyrunner”: A moonshine-era tribute with modern power.


Why Billy Gibbons Matters in the Car World
 

What sets Billy apart isn’t just the cars—it’s that he drives them. These aren’t museum pieces. He’s known to cruise LA in CadZZilla or roll up to shows in the Eliminator. His collection blends hot rod culture with rock iconography, making him a unique figure in both scenes.

He even penned a book, Billy F Gibbons: Rock + Roll Gearhead, detailing his rides and the stories behind them.


Join the Conversation

Which Gibbons ride is your favorite?
Have a custom build that deserves the spotlight?
Drop a comment below and let us know.

Want more rock-fueled rides? Stay tuned to MyCarShowRadio.com for interviews, deep dives, and behind-the-scenes peeks at the cars that defined an era.

Fuel, Fire, and Freedom - Goodguys Summit Racing Nationals Roars into Columbus, July 11–13

When the rubber meets the road in Columbus this July, it won’t just be hot—it’ll be historic. The Goodguys 27th Summit Racing Nationals are rolling into town from July 11–13, 2025, and if you’ve got fuel in your veins, this is where you need to be.


Held at the Ohio Expo Center, this isn’t just another car show—it’s a full-blown horsepower hoedown. With over 6,500 classic rides—every one of ’em American-made or powered—this is where vintage muscle, hot rods, customs, and chrome dreams collide under the summer sun.


What sets Columbus apart? It’s got the drag racing, the burnout contests, the Autocross shootouts, and yeah, the kind of swap meet treasures that’ll make a grown gearhead cry. Add in a Smokey and the Bandit reunion, live rockabilly, and Friday’s twilight cruise—you're not just attending, you’re living the car culture.

My take? There’s something magic about Columbus in July. Maybe it’s the glint of a ‘69 Camaro in the golden hour. Maybe it’s the rumble of a blown Hemi echoing off the grandstands. But whatever it is—it feels like coming home.


Whether you're rolling in with a ride or just showing up with a camera and a dream, make sure Goodguys Columbus is on your 2025 cruise calendar.


More info at good-guys.com

LEGENDS ON WHEELS, LEGENDS ON WAX

Cue the engine. Drop the needle. Let’s take a ride through time…
 

The 1969 Dodge Charger – “The General Lee”
Rumbling through The Dukes of Hazzard like a rebel anthem, this beast wasn't just a car—it was a character. Imagine it flying over Georgia dirt roads while Lynyrd Skynyrd's “Sweet Home Alabama” rips through your speakers. Freedom had four wheels and a whole lotta horsepower.


The 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 – Back to the Future
When Doc Brown hit 88 mph, we all time-traveled with him. This stainless steel time machine wasn’t just science fiction—it was style, speed, and the sound of Huey Lewis & The News blaring “The Power of Love.” Flux capacitors optional, goosebumps guaranteed.


1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am – Smokey and the Bandit
Nothing said cool quite like Burt Reynolds behind the wheel of this southern outlaw. With Jerry Reed's “East Bound and Down” as your chase anthem, the Firebird was pure American defiance with a t-top.


1974 Ford Gran Torino – Starsky & Hutch
With its iconic red-and-white paint job and roaring V8, this car was a cop show legend. Imagine a high-speed pursuit set to The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter”—danger, grit, and groove in every gear shift.


1973 Ford Falcon XB GT – Mad Max
Apocalyptic metal never looked so good. The Interceptor was built for chaos and survival. Now crank AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” and ride into the wasteland with Max Rockatansky at the wheel.


BONUS RIDE: The 1967 Shelby GT500 – “Eleanor” from Gone in 60 Seconds
Not just a heist car—she was the dream. Pair her with Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle” and suddenly you're stealing hearts, not just Mustangs.


At My Car Show Radio, we don’t just play classic rock—we drive it. Every riff. Every ride. Every rev.


What’s YOUR favorite movie car + classic rock combo? Drop it in the comments and let’s keep the engines—and memories—running.


Tune in and turn it up.
Streaming 24/7 at mycarshowradio.com

Springbrook 2025: A Step Back in Time Where classic rides and military pride met under prairie skies.

 

This past weekend, Springbrook’s airbase transformed into a rolling museum — where gleaming chrome met rugged camouflage. The event drew car lovers, history buffs, and families alike, celebrating both vintage horsepower and military heritage.


Headliners from the Tarmac

1942 Dodge Power Wagon — War-Built, Still Bold
Once a WWII staff car, this Dodge Power Wagon carried both grit and grace. Restored with reverence, it stood as a mechanical tribute to history.
 

1981 Camaro Z28 — Muscle Meets Memory
A family treasure with ties to pro football, this Camaro carried more than just horsepower — it carried a dream. Worn but proud, it's ready for its next chapter.
 

1956 Bel Air — Time Capsule on Wheels
Only 3,100 miles. That’s all that’s ever been put on this stunning survivor. But unlike most classics, this Bel Air will hit the open road — exactly as Chevy intended.
 

1979 Ford F-150 4x4 — Blue-Collar Brilliance
Hard-working and hard to miss, this lifted Ford truck brought muscle and nostalgia in equal measure — the kind that reminds you why these rigs are still legends.


Bonus Picks & Gallery

Click below to explore more photos and forgotten gems — including custom builds, warbirds, and vintage aircraft in action:
???? View the Full Photo Gallery & Coverage


Final Thought

Springbrook 2025 wasn’t just a car show — it was a rolling history lesson.
And the road stories don’t stop here. Join our list for more tales from garages, gravel pits, and golden eras of motoring.


???? Subscribe for More Stories

Listener Spotlight: Retroville RV Park and Their Legendary 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T

There’s something about the growl of a muscle car engine that takes you straight back to the glory days of American horsepower—and this month, our My Car Show Radio Listener Spotlight shines on a ride that captures that spirit perfectly.


Meet the pride of Retroville RV Park: a jaw-dropping 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T.

 

This beauty isn’t just a car. It’s a rolling time capsule on wheels, lovingly preserved and proudly shared by our friends at Retroville. With its iconic long hood, dual scoops, and unmistakable high-octane stance, this R/T model isn’t here to play—it’s here to roar.
 

???? “It’s not just a car—it’s a lifestyle,” says the crew at Retroville. And we believe them. Parked under neon lights and backed by a row of vintage campers, this Challenger feels like it rolled right off a movie set.


Why This Ride Matters

Released at the height of the muscle car wars, the 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T came factory-packed with swagger and serious performance options—426 HEMI, 440 Six-Pack, Rallye suspension… the works. It wasn’t just made to turn heads; it was built to win.

And Retroville’s Challenger? She’s no trailer queen. She still hits the road—and still stops traffic.


Where Retro Meets Reality

Retroville RV Park is more than a destination—it’s a community. With its nostalgic 70s charm, it’s a haven for classic car lovers, road trippers, and anyone who believes that old-school cool never goes out of style. And now, their legendary Challenger is helping put Retroville on the map for every Mopar lover out there.


Want Your Ride Featured Next?

We love giving our listeners the spotlight! Got a classic, custom, or downright crazy car to show off? Tag us with #MyCarShowRadio or drop us a message and you might be next!

Houston Towing Fail: Backward-Towed Saab Sparks Viral Mayhem & Arrest

If you’ve ever looked at a flat-tow setup and thought, “What could possibly go wrong?”—well, here’s your answer.

A now-viral video captured one of the wildest roadside stunts Houston has ever seen: a white Ford Expedition dragging a Saab 9-3 Aero convertible backward down I-610… with nothing but a chain, a whole lot of nerve, and zero mechanical logic.


The Scene:

Caught in broad daylight on one of the city’s busiest highways, the swaying Saab looked like it was trying out for the next Fast & the Frustrated. No trailer. No dolly. Just raw, rolling chaos.


The Mistake:

Flat-towing is risky business on a good day—but towing a front-wheel-drive car in reverse lets the front wheels steer freely. That’s not just a technical no-no, it’s a fast-track to a freeway fiasco. The vehicle zigzagged between lanes, narrowly avoiding a multi-car pileup.


The Arrest:

Police eventually intercepted the rolling circus. Behind the wheel of the trailing Saab? Dante Brown, 32, with an active warrant out of DeKalb County, Georgia. His girlfriend, who was piloting the SUV, wasn’t charged. But the internet certainly had thoughts.


The Lesson (and the Laugh):

If you have to tow a car, know which end goes forward—or be ready to go viral for all the wrong reasons. Bonus tip: active warrants and public stunts don’t mix.


Seen a Tow Job This Bad?

Got your own “tow-tally” ridiculous story? Ever witness a DIY haul that defied logic and safety? Drop it in the comments—or better yet, send us a clip for a chance to be featured on-air!


Stay Tuned

Keep it locked to My Car Show Radio for more gearhead gold, roadside oddities, and classic rock that never steers you wrong.

???? Want more? Subscribe for breakdowns, bloopers, and the best in auto absurdity—delivered straight to your inbox.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTEsrHVf2ug

Greenwich Concours d'Elegance 2025: A Celebration of Automotive Excellence

The 29th annual Greenwich Concours d’Elegance concluded today at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, showcasing over 300 meticulously curated vehicles. The event kicked off with Friday's "Reverie" soirée, blending coastal charm with luxury, featuring gourmet tastings and live music. 
 

Saturday's Concours de Sport highlighted motorsport-inspired vehicles, including a 50th-anniversary tribute to the Lamborghini Countach. Sunday's Concours d’Elegance featured 18 judged classes, with notable categories like "100 Years of Chrysler" and "Art Deco Streamliners." 
 

The event honored renowned Packard collector Ralph Marano as Grand Marshal, recognizing his collection of 85 classic models. Attendees enjoyed ride-and-drive experiences, youth judging programs, and gourmet offerings, making it a must-visit for automotive enthusiasts.

For more photos and local coverage of the event, check out Greenwich Time’s full recap.

Swarmageddon on the Highway: Truck Crash Unleashes 250 Million Angry Bees in Washington

Let’s set the scene: It’s 4 a.m. on a quiet road near the Canadian border, the kind of place where headlights cut through the mist and you can almost hear the distant hum of a V8 echoing through the trees. But instead of a growling GTO or a low-slung Chevelle, the roar on Weidkamp Road came from a different kind of cargo—a truck hauling what’s being reported as 250 MILLION bees.

Yeah, you read that right. Two hundred and fifty million tiny, buzzing, furious stingers took to the sky after the rig carrying 70,000 pounds of hives went wheels-up. Whether it’s a math mistake or a horror movie script, the fact is: folks in Whatcom County woke up to a flying, swarming nightmare.

The sheriff’s department rolled out, only to be met with a full-on sting assault. Even the bee expert on scene basically shrugged and said, “Stay away,” which might be the understatement of the century. And while we’re still trying to believe one truck could actually carry that many bees, even a tenth of that number is a lot to lose—both in buzzing mayhem and agricultural impact.

There’s still no word on what caused the crash, but this isn’t just a local oddity—it’s a wake-up call. As Alan Woods of the Washington State Beekeepers Association put it, we need a nationwide "emergency bee response" plan. Because hauling hives is big business, and when it goes wrong, it really goes wrong.

So if you're cruising through Northern Washington this week, maybe keep those windows up—and crank the classic rock extra loud. Ain’t nobody wants to be the next target of the Bee-52s.

What’s your wildest roadside encounter? Drop it in the comments below or hit us up on social!

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